Page 37 of Beautifully Wild

“Sometimes?” She grins, and he hopes it’s to lighten the mood.

With Ilhéus behind them, the scenery changes to the blue ocean on one side and green vegetation on the other.

“If practicing your Samba in the car makes you happy, then do it. I want you to be happy.”

For now, small talk works well between them. He points ahead. “Did you know much of the coastline had thriving cacao farms, and this area was known for producing some of the biggest traders in the world?”

“Do they farm cacao beans now?”

“Not to the same extent.”

“It’s a beautiful country.” She smiles at him and continues humming to the music, their conversation now about the landscape.

“What’s this?” Eden points to the sign ahead, her focus away from their conversation.

He smiles. “Your surprise.” When her eyes light up, so does something inside him.

He thought the Uno Ecopark might bore her. To Samuel, this part of the Atlantic rainforest is similar to his ‘home.’ A sanctuary for wildlife and rich in biodiversity, it’s one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. He believes the park stands to nurture as does his home village. He told himself it wouldn’t be a test, only now he wants to observe how she reacts to the things he loves.

He takes her hand and leads her into the park to a walkway bridge suspended one hundred feet high among the treetops.

“We’re going up there?” Her hand rises to her throat.

“We are. Are you afraid of heights?”

“Now I am…”

“I’ll be right beside you.”

She looks up to meet his gaze. A tingle forms at the base of his skull and travels down his spine, and like an electric force, shoots to his arms and down his thighs to his toes.

He closes his eyes.

He’s falling for her.

“My palms are sweating.”

With every step, Eden grips onto the bridge’s rope. Netting below her waist is the only thing to stop them from falling through the barrier. The bridge is held by ropes overhead and nearly wide enough for one person. With every step, it sways a little.

Resting his palm on her shoulder, he remains one step behind at all times and reinforces their safety.

“I didn’t believe I was afraid of heights until today,” she whispers.

“Rest a moment.” He points into the distance and places a finger on his lips.

She stares at the green treetops, her expression blank. Samuel wraps his arms around her shoulders, leans in and whispers, “A golden-headed lion tamarin. Do you see it?”

“I do.”

“You’ll only find them here.”

“It’s so cute.”

He hears the fondness in her voice. Every moment they share, he’s learning a little more about Eden. He leans down and kisses the side of her neck, wraps his arms tighter, so her back presses against his chest. Whatever way he holds Eden, she molds into him like a perfect fit. He closes his eyes with contentment filling his core.

Underneath the happiness, he worries she’ll consume him, and he’ll never want to go back.

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